"Hydraulic fracturing can be a very effective means of accessing our natural resources, as long as it is done safely," said Senator Frerichs. "I hope to put in place a framework by which drillers can do their job but the public is also protected."

Hydraulic fracturing, otherwise known as "fracking," is a process used to extract natural resources from reservoirs deep underground. In order to access the resources, stimulation fluids are injected into underground rock formations, causing them to fracture and release the natural resources within. The stimulation chemicals used in fracking pose many potential dangers including the threat of contaminated groundwater.

Senator Frerichs’ SB 664 requires oversight and regulation of fracking by DNR. Specifically, the bill limits and regulates the use of certain hazardous chemicals, like benzene and other BTEX compounds, in the extraction process. SB 664 also requires that drillers report to DNR on the reuse and disposal of these stimulant fluids.

Senator Frerichs commented, "We must be very careful when pumping chemicals into the ground. Transparency and full disclosure is essential in order to protect our groundwater. This bill codifies these common-sense protections."

SB 664 amends the Illinois Oil and Gas Act, adding the state’s first laws on fracking practices. It creates a new section in the Act, Section (6.5), titled "Extraction of Natural Gas from Shale Using Hydraulic Fracturing."